Just 48 hours after calling for the unity ahead of the Manchester City FA Cup tie, they debate the wisdom of saying that the pair aren’t showing enough fight.

The Gazette lads also reflect on reports that Karanka and Downing have had a bust-up and the fact that news leaked out overnight.

There’s also the issue of Manchester United’s impending visit to the Riverside and the opportunity it affords Boro to get their campaign up and running if they show the right spirit.

Karanka’s men have yet to record a Premier League victory in 2017 but Sunday could be a good time to take on Jose Mourinho’s side, who played Chelsea on Monday night and take on FC Rostov on Thursday before travelling to Teesside.

With suspensions and injuries decimating his squad, the Special One will have a major selection headache to content with at the weekend.